Abstract: There is disclosed an improved control system for air actuated ahead and astern clutches, an engine speed governor, and a propeller shaft brake of a marine propulsion system. The control is actuated by a throttle lever which is moved from a neutral position to select a direction of travel. The degree of movement from neutral of the throttle lever is representative of the desired speed in the selected direction. The improved control engages the brake when the throttle lever is in neutral and when the throttle lever is moved from an ahead to an astern direction at medium or high forward speeds. When such a change in commanded direction occurs, a shift delay valve is first actuated to delay the inflation of the astern clutch. The delay is dependent upon the forward speed previously prevailing. At medium forward speeds the brake is released shortly after the astern clutch begins to inflate.

Abstract: A plurality of single lever control stands are provided at remote locations for controlling a pneumatically operated marine propulsion system. Control of the propulsion system is transferred between the several control stands by connecting each stand to a source of supply air under pressure. The control stands each include a throttle valve which will produce a set of three pressure signals. A valve located at each stand must be actuated by an operator at that location before the air supply will be activated for that station. Two of the signals select the ahead and astern direction of motion for the vessel and the third signal varies in proportion to the throttle lever position and controls engine speed. Banks of shuttle valves receive pairs of sets of these pressure signals and pass onto the control the signals at the higher pressure level. The system includes transfer valves at the main and secondary stations which cannot be overridden by stations of lower priority.

Abstract: A control system for air actuated ahead and astern clutches and the engine speed governor of a marine propulsion system. Upon actuation of a throttle lever controlling a throttle valve, a selector valve is first actuated to operatively connect one or the other of the ahead or astern clutches to the control. Further movement of the throttle lever causes a relay valve to supply air at a pressure proportional to the throttle position to a main control valve which passes such air pressure to the selected clutch until a first control pressure is reached. Thereafter, air from the supply is supplied at a programmed rate to the selected clutch to continue inflation of the clutch until a second control pressure is reached whereupon a boost valve is actuated to connect full supply air pressure to the selected clutch. A governor control valve also receives the air output of the relay valve proportional to throttle position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a control system for the air actuated ahead and astern clutches and the engine speed governor of a marine propulsion system. Upon actuation of a throttle lever controlling a throttle valve, a selector valve is first actuated to operatively connect one or the other of the ahead or astern clutches to the control. Further movement of the throttle lever causes a relay valve to supply air at a pressure proportional to the throttle position to a main control valve which passes such air pressure to the selected clutch until a first control pressure is reached. Thereafter, air from the supply is supplied at a programmed rate to the selected clutch to continue inflation of the clutch until a second control pressure is reached whereupon a boost valve is actuated to connect full supply air pressure to the selected clutch. A governor control valve also receives the air output of the relay valve proportional to throttle position.